The Cleveland Cavaliers have not played up to preseason standards so far this season. After being projected to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, they currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cleveland has been very injured for most of the season. Darius Garland has dealt with a foot injury for most of the season. He recently hurt the other foot, too. Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley have all missed chunks of the season, too.
A three-team trade proposal from Bleacher Report would have the Cavs add some depth. That depth would help them stay afloat until they can finally get fully healthy.
GettyPhoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neal celebrates. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Cavaliers Add Solid Depth in Three-Team Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
Golden State Warriors Receive:
Phoenix Suns Receive:
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive:
Hunter has not fit well in the starting lineup this season. His 3-point shooting has cratered after shooting almost 43 percent in 27 games with the Cavs last year. Sending him out and adding O’Neale and Dunn to fill that spot would be a win for the Cavaliers.
Richards would give them some much-needed depth at the center spot. Jarrett Allen has had some injuries this year, as well. Getting all of this for just Hunter would be great for Cleveland as they try to figure out a way to get back to the top of the East.
The Cavaliers are certainly a team that can use more depth at the trade deadline, given how poorly they have played so far this year. Getting healthy is the biggest key for them to get back in the top four in the Eastern Conference standings, but adding depth would help them survive injuries better.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman talks to the media. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Will Likely be Active at the Trade Deadline
Even if the Cavs aren’t able to swing a deal as sweet as this one, they are likely going to be active at the deadline. They will be looking for ways to improve the team, even if it will be hard to do. With the Cavs in the second apron of the salary cap, finding a trade becomes almost impossible.
Having so much money committed to this team underscores why it’s so important for them to find a player who can help them at the deadline. Going the other way makes so much sense for them as the season continues to unfold. They have to win big or die trying.
Hunter is their best trade asset. Finding an exact match for his salary won’t be easy, but it’s what Koby Altman and his team will be tasked with doing in the next couple of weeks. Otherwise, they will be forced to hope that their team can stay healthy for the rest of the season.
Cavaliers Add Depth in Key Spots in Wild Three-Team Trade Proposal